The provincial government will maintain its top-flight credit rating despite the requirement to return $1.6 billion to the federal government as a result of voters' decision to scrap the HST.
Standard & Poor's Rating Services has confirmed the province's AAA rating - the top the agency gives - the finance ministry said in a press release issued Monday.
It means the provincial government will continue to pay the lowest possible rate of interest on the money it has borrowed.
"I am very pleased Standard & Poor's has confirmed our AAA credit rating," finance minister Kevin Falcon said in the press release. "I believe this is a reflection of the fiscally conservative approach we have taken over the past decade.
"During this time of global economic uncertainty, our credit rating is more important than ever and we will continue to manage taxpayer dollars responsibly while we focus on strengthening our economy and creating jobs."
